Some cars blend into the scenery like automotive chameleons, while others stand out in any crowd. This 1965 Lincoln Continental falls into the second category. From its low odometer reading to its sparkling paint, there is much to like about this luxurious classic. If you harbor the desire to live life in total comfort, this Lincoln could be the ideal vehicle to make that dream a reality. I must say a big thank you to Barn Finder Curvette for spotting the Continental here on eBay in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Two bids have pushed the price to $17,700, which is below the reserve. The seller also offers a BIN option of $28,000.
After the finned excesses of the late 1950s, Lincoln caused a sensation when it unveiled its Fourth Generation Continental for the 1961 model year. Its styling was clean and crisp, and even the chrome trim was quite restrained by the period’s standards. The company performed its first major upgrade in 1964, with most of the changes designed to improve interior space and comfort. This classic rolled off the line the following year and has led a sheltered life. The seller treated it to an exterior restoration approximately three years ago, including applying a fresh layer of the Continental’s original Spanish Moss. It is a dazzling color, with the seller stating that the steel had only minor bumps and bruises, with the process not requiring any rust repairs or panel replacement. The presentation is consistent with the seller’s love for this classic, as the car is still stunning. The paint looks deep, the contrasting chrome sparkles beautifully, the glass appears crystal clear, and I see nothing suggesting the potential presence of rust.
Lincoln adopted a “one size fits all” approach to the ’65 Continental’s mechanical specifications. Buyers received a 430ci V8, a three-speed automatic transmission, power steering, and power front disc brakes. The factory quoted power and torque figures of 320hp and 465 ft/lbs, although with this car tipping the scales at around 5,200 lbs, it required something special under the hood to ensure that progress wasn’t glacial. The seller has been the Lincoln’s custodian for seven years. While he has left the vehicle essentially original, he did add a modern Edelbrock carburetor and electronic ignition for improved reliability. The brakes were overhauled, the alternator was tweaked to produce more current, and a compression test confirmed that the V8 is in good health. Potential buyers can consider it a turnkey proposition.
Lincoln loaded the Continental’s interior with the features that buyers rightfully expected from a luxury car. Standard equipment included power windows, power locks, a six-way power front seat, a power antenna, and a pushbutton radio. The seller confirms that these items are intact, and all work as they should. Their refurbishment included replacing the seals and gaskets to prevent dust or water from entering this classic. They added a new headliner, but didn’t need to touch the Black and White “Tuxedo” leather trim or the woodgrain highlights. It isn’t showroom fresh, but the condition is consistent with a highly tidy driver. There are no rips, tears, or evidence of abuse or UV damage.
The classic market proved volatile during early 2025, with some desirable machines suffering significant value drops. The 1965 Lincoln Continental was among those, but with the situation now stable, the trend may be about to reverse. The seller’s BIN figure for this car is realistic, given its overall condition and odometer reading. The Continental has generated moderate interest since hitting the market, and it will be fascinating to monitor the auction to discover if that translates into bidding action. Of course, you may choose to go one step further by making a play for this classic. I wish you luck if you do.
Wow an absolute work of art. Compare that to the boring product Lincoln’s putting out these days.
How does one ‘tweak’ an alternator to increase its maximum charging amperage? As I understand it one would have to either increase the size of the stator or rotor coil in an alternator. In a generator the rotor is magnetic. With both electro-mechanical induction occurs as the lines of force between the two cut each other. Without internal modifications such a tweak doesn’t appear doable.
I may be incorrect but minimal research shows this car’s standard alternator was rated at 42 amps while 55 and 65 amp alternators were optional. Changing the alternator to one with a higher output would satisfy Occam’s razor.
Not to mention, Pavlov’s dog.
I should have used the term electro-magnetic rather than electro-mechanical when referring to induction.
Back in those days, you can easily adjust the voltage regulator to do whatever you wanted and it would increase the charging voltage little bit, and the amperage would also follow. I had my 65 Cadillac set up so I could get 120 V out of the alternator. It was cool.
Love these 60s Lincolns with the suicide doors!
What is it with owners of `62-67 Lincolns and their obsession with gangster whitewalls? Those ‘moderate’ sized whitewalls only look good on the `61 models, since that was the last year automakers utilized them. On anything else it looks kinda cheesy & out of place.
I just had a vision from Animal House and it was the Eat Me mobile!
Nice car and a hilarious take on the stodgy use of it. My neighbor had a 67 and it rode smooth and was cavernous. What a true beast : )
I have a little problem seeing green, but those seats sure look green to me.
?????
I love this body style, but I didn’t like the ’65 grilles. They look like something off of an Argentina made Ford or a Mercury Marauder of that era. They resolved this in a more balanced ’66 grille.
430cid, not 462?
Clearly the front seats have been re-upholstered. They dont show leather characteristics – is that vinyl ?
Back in the late ’70s or very early ’80s we had one if these 4 door Lincolns in the shop for a complete brand new brake job. Since we had to wait for parts, it was parked outside until the arrival of new parts. I was under a brand new Chrysler wagon that belonged to the local achdiocese teaching a young tech how to do wheel/tire inspections for vibration issues. The car was at about chest height, so we were currently stooped over. The Lincoln came rolling in (not under power) Into the opposing bay when the noise I was hearing registered in my brain when the Lincoln rolled over the alignment plate on the shop floor. That the parking brake was trying to latch onto a dog in the transmission. I drug the tech out from under the car as the Lincoln’s windshield and roof met the lower portion of the Chrysler’s bumper. Which effectively shoved the Chrysler halfway off the single post lift and wedged it against the closed shop overhead door. The Lincoln sustained serious repairable damage. As did the overhead garage door. I heard the priest swear, as he was present for the entertainment. And when I called the Lincoln’s owner. He laughed so hard, I could tell he was crying. The Chrysler was undamaged as was the lift. It was the first time that my boss had left me alone in the Goodyear store. Quite the program getting the Chrysler down and undamaged. Ahh, “the good old days”! lol
We must have have had an even dozen of these crusin the Dallas “Kennedy Cruise” this Nov 22……sell em’ while you can !